Introduction

On the outskirts of the city of Glasgow lies the small, but steep peak of Dumgoyne. It is a peak that can be seen dominating the horizon from the western and northern areas of Glasgow and is commonly known as The Sleeping Giant. Dumgoyne sits at the western side of the Campsie Fells range and can be clearly identified as it is this point that makes up the head of the giant. With the exception of this peak and Meikle Bin, The Campsie Fells are basically a flat and grassy plateau thats real character is displayed by the sharp cliff faces that overlook the small towns of Blanefield, Lennoxtown and Fintry.

At 427m, Dumgoyne is certainly not the highest peak in the land and is by no means the highest in the range, (this accolade belongs to Earl's Seat at 578m) but is definitely the one with most character and the one that is a favourite with many walkers.

The most popular route of ascent for Dumgoyne is from the west at Strathblane. The route begins next to the Glengoyne Distillery and strikes directly east-north-east, over a well defined path, all the way to the summit trig point. From the summit the views are surprisingly extensive, with Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, Crainlarich and Loch Earn hills clearly identifiable. On a really clear day, the tops on the Isle of Arran can also be seen.

Dumgoyne sits directly next to the West Highland Way, which is a long distance walking route linking Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, to Fort William. As Dumgoyne is only 7 miles into the West Highland Way and only takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete, it proves a popular early detour for some of the walkers. Whether it is a more popular sideline activity compared to the tour/tasting session of the distillery is highly debatable!

Getting There

Diretions detailed are from Glasgow only as this is a local hill to the city (roughly 30mins travel distance).

CAR

Car directions to Dumgoyne from Glasgow can be seen on the embedded map below. Click on the view larger map link for more detailed directions.

BUS
From Buchanan Bus station in Glasgow, get the No.10 bus for Balfron which stops right outside the gates of the distillery. Buses run approx every hour. You can also get the Whisky bus straight to the distillery, that will cater for small to large groups, so you could add a nice whisky tasting session into your climb! Details here.

Red Tape

There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.

Hostels/Campsites/B&B's

Wild Camping

Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations close to Dumgoyne, especially as it runs close to the West Highland Way. This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier.

Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping;

The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. Keep groups small.

Camp as unobtrusively as possible.

Remember that noise travels from tents disturbing wildlife as well as humans.

Enjoy the freedom of wild camping without leaving a trace of your passage. Protect our country's outstanding scenery and wildlife as well as the wilderness experience.

Camping on the same spot harms vegetation. Aim to move frequently and do not stay for any longer than 3 nights in the same place.

Lighting fires poses a high fire risk on peaty soils and close to tinder dry grass. A high risk of fire can exist at any time of year, and not just in times of drought.

Watercourses and loch sides are important sites for birds and animals. Take extra care when camping near burns and lochs, and try to avoid camping immediately beside them.

Always find a spot at least 30 metres from fresh/running water when going to the toilet.

Bury excrement in a small hole (not under boulders). A trowel or ice axe can be used to lift a flap of turf.

Remove all litter (even other peoples!) Think ahead and only carry in what you are prepared to carry out.